Todd Hensley FASTC

Partner

Since joining Schuler Shook in 1988, Todd Hensley has compiled an extensive theatre consulting portfolio of more than 400 projects. He has earned a reputation for his research, innovative design, rigorous attention to detail, and a genuinely collaborative approach to the creative process.

Todd brings a 30-year background in theatrical production and facilities design to his consulting work. His experience includes theatrical lighting design for such companies as The Goodman, Victory Gardens, and Northlight Theatres in Chicago, and opera companies in Chicago; Miami; San Diego; Washington, D.C.; Minnesota; Cleveland; Milwaukee; Indiana; Tulsa; and Virginia. Todd is an Adjunct Professor of Design at The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Significant Projects

Education

  • AB - Morehead State University
  • MFA - University of Minnesota

Organizations

  • American Society of Theatre Consultants, Fellow
  • United Scenic Artists of America
  • United States Institute for Theatre Technology
  • Society for College and University Planning
  • League of Historic American Theatres

Presentations & Panels

  • “The Audience,” Opera America Conference, 2023
  • “Design for All Genders: Inclusive Design for Practitioners and Patrons,” NATEA Conference, 2021
  • “All the World’s a Stage,” Opera America Conference, 2018
  • “The Joy of Flex: Measuring the Value of Flexible Theatres", North American Theatre Engineering Architecture Conference, 2016
  • “Gender Identity Accommodation in Performing Arts Facility Planning”, North American Theatre Engineering Architecture Conference, 2016
  • “Getting to the Core – Footsteps to Becoming a Theatre Designer,” USITT National Conference, 2015
  • “Flexible Theatres: Challenges, Opportunities, Feedback,” International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference, London, 2014
  • “Lighting Systems: Where Are We Going?,” ENTECH Connect, Melbourne, 2014
  • “Putting It Together: the Acoustician and the Theatre Planner,” Concert Hall Research Group, Chicago, 2014
  • “One Roof, Many Theatres: Nurturing Various Theatre Companies Within One Building” USITT Conference, 2014
  • “How to Beat the Budget: When Value Engineering is Not Just Cost-Cutting,” LDI Conference, 2010
  • “Transforming a University Arts Building for 21st Century Practice,” College Building Expo, 2010
  • "The Creative Rehearsal Room," Theatre Communications Group National Conference, 2010
  • “Acoustics and Theatre Consulting: A Special Relationship,” Acoustical Society of America, 2009
  • "Temples of the Future," LDI National Conference, 2007
  • “The Renovation of Marion Oliver McCaw Hall,” Opera America Conference, 2006
  • “Buildings for Tomorrow’s Audience: What do our Theatres Need?” Theatre Communications Group National Conference, 2006
  • "Daylighting in Performance Spaces," USITT National Conference, 2006
  • "Top 10 Blunders in Theatre Planning – and How to Fix ‘em" Theatre Communications Group National Conference, 2005

Awards

  • Lookingglass Theatre Company
    • USITT Mer­it Award, 2005
    • AIA Chica­go Design Excel­lence Award, 2004
    • Chica­go Build­ing Con­gress Mer­it Award, 2004
    • Friends of Down­town Adap­tive Reuse Award, 2004
    • Chica­go Land­mark Award for Preser­va­tion Excel­lence, 2003

  • Schauer Arts & Activities Center

    • USITT Mer­it Award, 2005
    • AIA Wis­con­sin Design Mer­it Award, 2002
    • ALA Pres­i­den­tial Award and Gold Design Award of Excel­lence, 2001
  • Ravinia, Martin Theatre
    • USITT Hon­or Award, 1994

  • Navy Pier, Skyline Stage

    • USITT Mer­it Award, 1998
  • Millennium Park
    • IALD Award of Excel­lence, 2005
    • IES Illu­mi­na­tion Design Award of Mer­it, 2005
    • AIA Nation­al Hon­or Award, 2006
    • AIA Chica­go Hon­or Award, 2005

Publications

  • Forward, Acoustical Design of Theatres for Drama Performance 1985-2010, by Bradley, Ryherd and Vigeant, Acoustical Society of America, 2010